Massachusetts Historical Society Seminars

The Society's five seminar series offer an excellent opportunity to meet accomplished scholars and authors. Join us to explore topics in-depth in a conversational setting, and help to shape works-in-progress. The stimulating and convivial atmosphere of these late afternoon sessions continues during the light supper that follows each program. With the exception of the New England Biography Seminar, meetings revolve around the discussion of a precirculated paper: sessions begin with remarks from the presenters and an assigned commentator, after which the discussion is opened to the floor. Most programs take place at the Society, and all are welcome.

Seminars are underwritten in part by Cushing Academy, Ashburnham, Massachusetts.

The Five Series

The Boston Area Early American History Seminar provides a forum for local scholars as well as members of the general public to discuss all aspects of North American history and culture from the first English colonization to the Civil War. Programs are not confined to Massachusetts topics.

The Boston Environmental History Seminar is an occasion for scholars as well as interested members of the public to discuss aspects of American environmental history from prehistory to the present day. Presenters come from a variety of disciplines including history, urban planning, and environmental management.

The Boston Immigration and Urban History Seminar provides a setting for local scholars as well as members of the general public to discuss all aspects of American immigration as well as urban history and culture. Programs may address one or both historical subfields and are not confined to Massachusetts topics.

The Boston Seminar on the History of Women and Gender invites scholars and students to meet periodically and discuss new research. Sessions may consider any aspect of the history of women and gender without chronological limitations. A collaboration of the Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America and the Massachusetts Historical Society, the seminar meets in turn at the facilities of the two sponsors.

The New England Biography Seminar is a forum for writers and readers alike to engage in an ongoing discussion about the historical, literary, and methodological questions that make biography a challenging and rewarding undertaking. Leading authors of the genre will offer their insights and inspiration. This seminar features roundtable discussions rather than focusing on pre-circulated papers.

*Your $25 subscription to any one of these three seminar series gives you access to the papers presented in the other two series.

How to Attend

RSVP required. Drop in on one or more individual sessions, or become a more active participant by subscribing to a series.

To RSVP: Email seminars@masshist.org or phone 617-646-0568. Please give your name, the name of the seminar you will to attend, and the names of your guests. Questions? Phone the MHS Research Coordinator at 617-646-0568 or email seminars@masshist.org.

Are you interested in presenting?

Each winter, seminar organizers issue a Call for Proposals in order to fill a limited number of session slots in several of the seminar series. The annual deadline is 15 March for the sessions that will take place in the following academic year. If you would like to receive the CFP and are not on our mailing list, email seminars@masshist.org.